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Embracing Diversity Makes Michigan Stronger

Blues President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp.

Diversity is good business.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan this week hosted its annual Supplier Diversity Achievement Awards program, a combination awards ceremony and networking event that gives the company a chance to say “thank you” to the vendors that help it succeed.

The company gave out awards to seven women- and minority-owned businesses whose services have been invaluable to the success of the Blues and its subsidiaries — Blue Care Network, Accident Fund Holdings, Inc., and LifeSecure. Another four awards went to Blues’ staff members and departments for excellence in achieving corporate supplier diversity achievement goals.

It’s the seventh consecutive year of celebrating partnerships with companies that reflect the makeup of the communities we serve and share the Blues’ focus on operational excellence.

In 2011, BCBSM spent $175 million with 182 women- and minority-owned suppliers. These business help the company strengthen its information technology and compliance capabilities, lower administrative costs, reduce risk and focus on its mission of providing access to quality health care to anyone who needs it.

Forging ties with diverse, homegrown businesses is one example of how Blue Cross is committed to strengthening Michigan and its core cities. Another is our ongoing move to the Renaissance Center, which will conclude in June when our downtown Detroit workforce will stand at 6,300 people.

It’s all a reflection of the Blues’ commitment to Michigan, which has now stood for 73 years.

“I think it’s a real partnership that we have,” Daniel J. Loepp, the Blues’ president and CEO, told attendees at the awards program. “It is part of our fiber, part of our culture at Blue Cross to be part of the community and I am proud of that.”